Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez looks certain to leave the club - whether it be in January or the summer.The 29-year-old Chilean, who has reportedly been subjects to bids from Manchester City and Manchester United, has just six months left on his current deal in north London.Sanchez will be able to leave as a free agent in the summer if Arsenal refuse to sell him in January.Speaking after Wednesday's 0-0 draw with Chelsea, Arsene Wenger insisted that he still hopes the wantaway star will sign a new contract at the Emirates."I want him to stay longer," said Wenger. "I have no problem if he signs with us now or in June."People don't know Alexis Sanchez - this is a guy completely focused on playing football."Did you see how he came on today? How he warmed up? Like a player who wants to play football."Man City almost signed Sanchez in the summer and United have reportedly joined the race to sign him this week.

Two key conditions for letting Sanchez leave

Reliable BBC journalist David Ornstein gave a big update on Arsenal's January business on Thursday night.

Ornstein claimed Sanchez will be able to leave on two conditions - a replacement must be found and a suitable offer must be received.

Arsenal have set his asking price at £35m but Man City initially suggested they would pay £20m. Arsenal are expected to compromise at a figure between 25 and 30 million.

Wenger also wants a replacement to be secured if he is to sell up in January and 20-year-old Brazilian Malcom has been identified as the first choice.

The Bordeaux striker has scored seven goals in 18 Ligue Un appearances this season.

Sanchez has scored 60 Premier League goals since joining Arsenal from Barcelona in 2014 - but the club's hierarchy have come to terms with his inevitable departure.

Despite their array of attacking talent, Pep Guardiola is desperate to bolster his offensive options and famously signed the Chilean for Barcelona in 2011.

"He [Sanchez] is very young, he can play in three different attacking positions," said Guardiola.

"He has a lot of defensive intensity, he can unlock a match and, from what I have been told, he is a very good boy."